No Script, Joshua Will Swiftly Knock Jake Paul Out - Promoter Hearn Claims

I've got no real defense regarding AJ versus Paul. It's insane that it's taking place and I believe the critics are right.

But, we just couldn't refuse it. No fighter in their right mind would have said no. Anyone who says they'd refuse are utterly dishonest through their teeth.

We accepted a fight which we believe will be extremely easy, will give AJ a huge presence in America and among his career-high earnings.

The Plan Behind This Bout

AJ was going to have a run-out fight in November in Saudi Arabia - an eight-rounder against an opponent ranked around 100th in the world heavyweight division.

It was an opportunity to wrap the hands with his fresh coaching staff, make the ringwalk and get some rounds in. Currently, we are doing that exact run-out but for about fifty times the money.

We have an obvious strategy planned - to stop Jake out as soon as possible. After that, we go into regular business resuming in 2026.

AJ will fight against a top-tier opponent in February and - should things go to plan - he will then face Fury.

So there is logic to this madness and accepting this fight does not affect Joshua's legacy. But losing to Paul or the fight even going the full distance would.

It would be a complete disaster and awfully humiliating.

Paul vs Joshua Is Not Scripted

So many individuals have asked me questioning whether it's fixed. Firstly, we would be investigated by the FBI if it was. That would be against the law. This constitutes a professional contest and a sanctioned bout where people are betting.

And do you think I would allow AJ to follow a script involving Jake? A script in which we might lose or even make him look bad? No way.

We are not providing this guy an edge or a chance to claim "I told you I am superior to AJ" or "I won rounds". That would be devastating for AJ and we will not take that risk.

Expectations for a Early Finish

There are also those saying if Anthony Joshua does not knock him out in the first round then it's an embarrassment.

He is expected to dominate this opponent but, blimey, give him two to three stanzas just in case. Since Jake's approach will reflect on the speed of the finish.

If he gets brave, it will end rapidly. However if he fights on the back foot and trying to clinch and jab and move, then he might last a couple of rounds.

We will not see AJ charge across the ring immediately and start windmilling.

Similar to his approach against Francis Ngannou, he will step in there, size him up and then go in with his power shots.

Jake Paul Has the Ability to Punch Somewhat

I have heard figures like Roy Jones and Teddy Atlas saying you cannot dismiss Jake out in this fight. Am I really going crazy ? Is there something they see that I am missing?

Let us be something clear - Jake Paul is a professional boxer. I think he's a decent 200-pound fighter - ranked in the top 70 in the world.

This isn't a guy who has never put on boxing gloves previously. He is able to whack a little bit. He spars Okolie and top-10 big men.

Forgetting the victory against Mike Tyson, who was then well past his prime, Jake did beat Julio Cesar Chavez Jr - who may have been a faded fighter but was hardly a total pushover.

Chavez Jr trained for that bout and had been a titleholder who went the distance with Canelo Alvarez and nearly stopped Martinez late in the fight.

So I actually credit Jake for training hard and showing respect to the craft of boxing and he has accomplished a great deal for female boxing with his promotion company.

Yet despite his self-belief, zeal, commitment and improved skills, he should be being knocked out by Joshua.

The Moment AJ Lands, It's Over

Paul and his camp are banking on a lot of factors. Hoping AJ underestimates them, banking on AJ is shot, banking on AJ's inactivity will be a factor, hoping AJ lacks self-belief, hoping AJ's chin isn't what it once was.

But, unfortunately for them, AJ is extremely switched on. He has completed a training camp and he is preparing like he is facing Usyk or in a potential Daniel Dubois rematch.

I anticipate my fighter to win inside two rounds with a devastating KO.

A shot to Jake to the body and it could break his ribs and he wouldn't be able to rise.

Should he land flush, he will put him spark out. Alternatively could jump in.

We don't know exactly how it will unfold but given how AJ punches - with the speed and power - the instant Jake is hit on the chin, the fight is over.

Then we go back to AJ's two goals he wants to achieve in the remainder he has left in this sport - to face Tyson Fury and to be crowned a three-time heavyweight champion of the world.